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Submitted by
Wesley Pomeroy
a Weekend Warrior
from Watertown, Ct.
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Tree Fort Bikes | | Weaknesses: | Battery is heavy, although once it's in the back pack I don't seem to notice the weight. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | Bought the 20 watt version because you can select high output (20 w, 2 hrs of run time), medium ouput (15 w, 3 hrs of run time), or low output (10 w, 4 hrs of run time). To conserve the battery, I run the light mostly on low or medium, saving the high beam for downhills (when I know they are there). I have ridden over three hours and still had some battery left.
I was a little apprehensive about spending a couple hundred bucks when I wasn't sure if I would like riding at night. All I can say now is, riding at night is AWESOME! I wish I had bought this light a couple of years ago.
Jet lites slogan is "the second most fun you can have in the dark." Believe it.
This is money well spent. 5 Flamin Chilis all around! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Belisle Jr
a Cross Country Rider
from East Hartford, CT USA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Case Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | BikerBob.com | | Strengths: | Great light, nice cable hook up, (screw on) battery seems to last a good long time, have been in the woods for 2 hrs in the cold and it was still bright. Battery is fairly compact. Light is not heavy. Nice quality. | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | 5 yr old NiteRider | | Bike Setup: | Haro X-1 extreme, carbon bars, ATAC pedals, By-Cycle saddle, Fox air shock. | | Bottom Line: | So far a great light FOR THE PRICE. It is not as bright as expected it to be, its not bad, just not as bright as I thought. For the price you can't beat it, just read all the good reviews. In retrospect, I think I will go with HID next time, but of course, LOTS more $$$$. So I am very happy with this light, it does the job well..
I cannot forget to mention BikerBob.com. Bob's customer service is second to none, and he provides quick shipping. He accidently sent the wrong mount(bar mount), and I wanted helmet mount. he sent the right mount right away. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Victor
a Cross Country Rider
from Coatesville, PA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Affordably priced, good water resiliency. | | Weaknesses: | Diffuse nature of the beam. | | Bike Setup: | Seven Cycles singlespeed, rigid. | | Bottom Line: | It's a great light, given the price. And the light works exactly as advertised. It just doesn't compare to the bright beam of an HID light, though. The beam is diffuse and not suitable for ripping fast downhills at high speed. I will testify to the water resistancy of the light. I rode this thing in a torrential downpour, and it worked flawlessly the next weeks ride, with no special cleaning or drying. You can't make a mistake when buying this light, just that there are more powerful (and expensive) lights to choose from. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray W
a Racer
from Puyallup
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | skookum flats | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | mountain plus gear | | Strengths: | Super bright, and an amazing track record of flawless reviews. Smart, simple, break-away mount. Easy operation. Wide beam, bright enough you wont outrun it on the downhills. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Depends | | Bottom Line: | Bought this light after reading all of the reviews. Spoke with Jim and company a few times too. The light is super bright. I got mine from mountains plus, came with both the 20W and 12W bulbs. I easily get over 2hrs out of the battery at full power with the 20w Halogen bulb. Avertised at 2hrs, usually get 2.5hrs +/- (NiMH battery).
I bought this light to do 24hr races and night riding. It also works great in training rides on the road, cars definitely notice you. I just took it out for the first 24hr. race last weekend. Worked perfectly, the whole time. What is even better is Jim will rent you two extra batteries for endurance / 24hr. events. I ended up having more battery life than I needed. That was really nice.
Which leads me to my final point, the customer service is incredible from these folks. I have the NiMH battery, Jim just got in the Lithium batteries and sent up two of those for me to try out for the race.
If you're looking for a new light or your first light get one of these. If the reviews don't convince you give these guys a call. They are really dedicated to making and standing behind a superior product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Braham
a Weekend Warrior
from Denton, TX
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything technical | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Jetlite (I think) | | Strengths: | Burning time (3:20h for the 12W), awesome craftmanship, durability, reliability. You buy it and forget about it!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Weight. It never bother me cause the product is outstanding though
| | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | trailbike | | Bottom Line: | I have used this product for around 5 years and have never had to change the bulb. Battery is runing perfectly (holding charge and burning time)
Always reliable, people always comment about the amount of light output (even with only 12W).
Have never had a single problem. Always in good shape. It's a light that you forget that you have since always works as last time
Best product, period
Oh, and you can always call Jim (owner)that he will answer any question and give you the best recomendation
You will never regret to buy this light!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew khody
a Weekend Warrior
from glendale,ca
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | wulnut fireroad | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | Powerfull flood light, very reliable. | | Weaknesses: | Cant see far ahead for fast downhill riding. You will need an extra backpack for the battery.... its huge and heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Prophet 800 | | Bottom Line: | This is a great light for the price but dont count on riding fast downhill. The light is mostly flood and you cant see much down the track. Also as I said again the battery for this light is BIG and Heavy. Battery lasts about 2 hours on high output which is ok. The wiring connection is excellent screw-in type. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a
from Richmond, Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | No nonsense, solid construction and connections. Use on both trails and road - 20w bulb provides outstanding illumination. Great value. | | Weaknesses: | None what so ever | | Similar Products Used: | Niterider halogen - bright but delicate | | Bike Setup: | Full fleet of road, cross and mountain - excellent quick release makes changing a breeze. | | Bottom Line: | My Niterider died and I didn't want to spend $$$ on a similiar replacement system. Tried the Light and Motion Vega - compact and simple but not powerful enough, particularly on trails. The Jet is fantastic and a great value! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Breinigsville PA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$197.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | This thing is as bright as the Sun! Unbelievable how bright this little light is. | | Weaknesses: | Just don't look directly at the light! | | Similar Products Used: | Nite Hawk and Lupine | | Bike Setup: | Giant Trance 3 | | Bottom Line: | This light is great! The JET lite is bright with a wide beam and an awesome value!
I bought the 20 W light and the beam is so bright and wide, the trail is illuminated as if you are riding during the middle of the day. The beam is wide enough so you have good peripheral vision (read...no on-trail surprises). The battery lasts for two hours and charges fast and easy in the charger.
I paid less than $200 (delivered) and I haven't seen anything else that gives you this kind of value. This gets five chilis!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudy
a Cross Country Rider
from Kutztown, PA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | bikerbob.com | | Strengths: | Sets the woods ablaze with its 20 watt bulb. Easy to mount to helmet. Charges really fast. | | Weaknesses: | Other guys want you to ride behind them to light their way, and to stand over them to do a fix it job. | | Similar Products Used: | Some other bar mount thing with 4 NiMH batteries....please, don't bother with something like that. | | Bike Setup: | Giant VT3 with basic upgrades to be a fun, aggressive all mountain rider. | | Bottom Line: | The money spent was well worth it, and I don't think that it is that much money for the incredible vision you get. I recommend the 20 watt bulb, it's wide. The only other light system that I've seen that beats the performance of the Phantom is a Lupine product. But you are going to pay twice the money for those. Trust me, this is the light you want if you want the most bang for your buck. I am super pleased with it. I never realized how much fun I was missing by not having a light after DST. Now I am thinking about getting another one for my wife, because she doesn't know what she is missing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jelly Belly
a Cross Country Rider
from Delaware
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Middle run | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$189.00 | | Purchased At: | universalcycles.com | | Strengths: | I have the 20w bulb and have found nothing brighter. It charges quickly and in 3 years I have not had one problem with this system. | | Weaknesses: | You can't get anything better. Being a typical guy and always wanting new toys I called Jim at jetlites tonight. I asked him about his new hid's and bar lights. Basically other than burn time there was no improvement to the system I have! Nothing brighter or stronger! | | Similar Products Used: | nite rider = junk. Lasted a qtr mile on first ride | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Super light. Best bike ever | | Bottom Line: | Get this system. Get the 20w bulb. Maybe splurge on the switch that lowers the wattage so you get longer burn time. Your a fool if you think you can out think all these people with their great reviews and get something better. Don't skip the best light system out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonas
a Racer
from Oxford, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Bikerbob.com | | Strengths: | ez to use and charge | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Bike Setup: | trek 9.8 w/ shram XO | | Bottom Line: | great light, got it quick going with bikerbobs shop, nice and simple to do biz with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$245.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | very light, easy to adjust on the fly, and plenty bright. | | Weaknesses: | for the price not really any. The intruction manual kind of stinks (most do) but it is so simple to use and set up you really can't go wrong. | | Similar Products Used: | I used to own a Niterider Storm HID | | Bike Setup: | Titus Racer X 100 | | Bottom Line: | MUCH lighter than my old Storm and plenty bright for riding singletrack. Also, this light mounts to your helmet easily and can be adjusted as you ride (coudln't do that with the Storm - it weighed down the front of my helmet)and the pivots points feel tight and durable. The light charges up quickly and is easy to use. Jet didn't over-do it with this light, they just did it right! Truly does deserve 5 chilis in each category. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Garneau
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Porcupine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$245.00 | | Purchased At: | Jet | | Strengths: | Solid beam
Well built | | Similar Products Used: | NightRider | | Bottom Line: | Great light with solid bright beam. I've biked with friends who have HID lights and I don't notice a difference in brightness. I use just the helmet mount and it works great for mountain biking (or road) at night. HID lights are too heavy on helmet mount and my Jet light gives a cleaner white beam. Tried NiteRider and it didn't work out of the box. After using this light for almost a year, I was recently skiing in Squaw Valley and discovered the owner of the company is a guy I've been aquantances with and have skied with in groups for a few years. Good guy and great product. Thanks Jim. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
milwaukeehaze
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$265.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikerbob.com | | Strengths: | Bright light, wide beam, strong cord connections, lightweight headlamp, great run times. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness would be the weight of the battery, however almost any light at this price will have a rather heavy NiMH battery. I didn't want to spend $500 for a lighter LiIon batter. | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye halogen | | Bike Setup: | 2004 GIANT NRS Composite 2 | | Bottom Line: | I have been evaluating bike lights for about a month and I am glad I decided on the JetLites Phantom! I purchased from www.bikerbob.com, which I would recommend because his prices are great, shipping is fast, and he provides great customer service. I was seriously considering an HID light, but they are costly and I often heard of issues with not starting back up after turning the light off, ballast problems, etc.... So, after seeing that JetLites have absolutely phenomenal ratings and comments, I figured I couldn't lose and I was correct.
I have only used this light twice, but the first time while riding to work on a sidewalk, I had a dog-walker think I was a car and literally jump out of the way. He apoligized and said that he thought the light was a car that had jumped the curb. Not bad for a non-HID light, eh?
I also ordered the handle bar mount, which I prefer in some cases, so I would recommend either the Phantom (headlamp) or Starfire (bar-lamp) models and then purchase the other mount as well to change things up depending on how/where you are riding.
Overall, this light is very bright, run-times are almost exactly as they are stated to be, and it looks and feels like a sturdy, quality product. I hope to give my review again after using a few years and I suspect it will be just as good of a review. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gil
a Cross Country Rider
from Vernon CT
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Case mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$265.00 | | Purchased At: | Jet direct | | Strengths: | This light does everything the big lights can do.I bought the 20w smart switch,I am seeing what the 500 dollar lights are seeing.had the same run times in most cases,even better than a few of the other bikers.The other thing that is so great about his light the conections are screw type,this is a big thing for you riders who have the conections come apart when out your out riding hard at night. the sales people very helpful,and the product got here quick from CA.this is the most bang for the buck. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | nite rider headtriper digital,light and motion HID | | Bike Setup: | specailized endro,xc,hardrock .with all the tricks. | | Bottom Line: | I have done all the research,this is the light you are looking for ,use the money you save wear you need it the most,the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Mayfield
a Cross Country Rider
from Garland, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | http://www.barhbreaks.com/ | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$295.00 | | Purchased At: | http://www.jetlites.com/ | | Strengths: | Great design detail. Awesome customer service. | | Weaknesses: | none found | | Similar Products Used: | cheapo commuter lights | | Bike Setup: | 02' Cannondale F400 | | Bottom Line: | I opted for the 20W bulb with the smart switch and battery gauge.
The detail and quality of the setup was apparent the first time I took a good look at this puppy. I like the reflector compared to other lights I have checked out. The balance seems perfect between flood and spot. The trail features are lit well but not washed out (ie HID lights).
What makes this light outstanding is the customer service. I received my light on a Thursday evening and charged the battery. I then found out the bulb was out. I called Jim on Friday morning and he shipped a replacement head assembly overnight, Saturday delivery, so I could have it in time of the 6hr race on that same day. What a great demonstration of awesome customer service. I have never had that quality of service with any other product. Oh, the light worked great for the race. Kudos!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a
from Beverly.Ma
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | JET Lites | | Strengths: | Bright white light,charging system,helmet mount,run time. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Cygolite night explorer | | Bottom Line: | Ordered from JET Lites, very helpful with all questions. Excellent light in every aspect. With this light,the Phantom Single Beam 12W,13.2V,helmet mount, I now only carry my handlebar light for emergency use. I have used it for up to 2.5 hours with out it showing any signs of dimming. The battery cord is long enough to easily reach from my Camelbak to the light with cord to spare. Intelligent fast charger works great and has LED indicator to let you know when battery is charging and fully charged. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross M
a Racer
from Melbourne Australia
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Jet Lites | | Strengths: | Beam pattern, mounting system, smart charger....everything | | Weaknesses: | Switch is a little difficult to turn on with full finger gloves on. | | Similar Products Used: | other crap lites | | Bike Setup: | KHS ST Team singlespeed, Mavic 619s, DMR hubs, old SID and an 8yo Stumpjumper M2 pretty much as OEM but with Manitou XVert super forks. | | Bottom Line: | Buying a light over the net from the US when I'm in Australia is worry but they were shipped quick and charged. Jum at Jet puts the O/S orders through extra quality control before shipping.
I race weekly in an urban night crit and get out into the bush a couple of times a month for some night fun.
Lite is fantastic and every bit as good as I hoped for. When racing last week I slammed the light into a tree branch. The lite left the mount and was swinging hopelessly over my shoulder. I was worried that I'd busted it but little did I realise how the light is designed to leave the mount rather than breaking. Re-attaching to the mount was so simple - if only I knew it only took a couple of seconds. This light delivers on all areas of promised performance and has been getting a big wrap from me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 230. | | Strengths: | Amazing new adventure. Smart switch rules. Spectacular candle watt power. Helmet mount good. The only way to see at night. | | Weaknesses: | Battery cord could be longer. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | Add a totaly new dimension to your riding. It's good to be alive! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, ALberta - Canada
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Factory Direct | | Strengths: | Super White/Bright, Excellent Long Range, Awesome Light Weight Helmet Mount, Battery Has Great Weight For Power/Duration Balance, Adjustable Aim off the Helmet Mount, Power Output Control... I Could Go On! | | Weaknesses: | NONE!! | | Similar Products Used: | Nightrider | | Bottom Line: | I have yet to outride my JetLite while firing down winding hills like my old light, and so it has already saved me repairs and probably a hospital bill!! Power options let me conserve battery when riding with friends and i'm not in the lead - or just when you don't need that much light...
I've seen many lights, and tried a few - hands down this is the best!
Only things i could possibly ask for - a store in my area that carries them (thus parts), and maybe a belt type waist holster designed for the battery when i'm nt carrying a pack.. as i hate being tied to my bike ... just incase!
I'm already upgrading to the new Gen 3 helmet mount, looks outstanding!!
My Jet Lite has stood up to -30°C weather, hail (better than i did), freezing rain, and +30°C weather... it can take anything!
The ability to light up whatever you want to see - right in front or down the trail, even rounding a corner - makes the helmet mount my only choice.
After 1 year - not a single problem!
Highly Recommended To All - from commuters that need cars to see them, to trail riders of all levels! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kerry
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Direct from Jet | | Strengths: | Incredibly bright, cool design, sweet features, unbelievable customer service. Also, it only takes one to seriously light up the trail. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any | | Similar Products Used: | Other cheapies. No comparison to Jet. | | Bike Setup: | Wilderness Trail Bikes Phoenix Titanium HT with SRAM & Race Face componentry mix. Sweetness! | | Bottom Line: | I'm the guy Bryan from Tar River, NC, talked about who broke his back in May of 2002. I also broke my sternum and fractured my ribs and wrist. Bryan, it sure felt life threatening!! : )
When I contacted Jim, the owner at Jet Lites to express concern that the helmet mount may have contributed to the severity of my accident, he was very concerned and focused. I was impressed because he was so responsive and seemed to genuinely care. He was so concerned, that he stayed up several nights redesigning the mount so it would break away in similar circumstances. From what I understand, the new mount design is a direct result of the customer feedback given by myself and Bryan, if not others. I also understand that Jet Lites invested serious money to create a safer more updated mounting system. Major kudos to the entire Jet Lites team and especially the owner, Jim. His responsiveness and customer service is exemplary.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis, CA
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikerbob | | Strengths: | Bright, bright, bright. | | Weaknesses: | Battery is somewhat heavy and bulky. | | Similar Products Used: | Older Niterider lights. I also own an older Jet Starfire. | | Bottom Line: | I have an older 12W Jet Starfire which I used to use for commuting. I've recently started riding the trails at night and decided that my 12W light, though adequate, was not as much as I would like. So I bought a 20W Phantom light to complement the bar light and... WOW! I can fly down the trails at night now nearly as fast as I could during the day. And the bar/helmet combo of the two Jet lights is a great combination.
The new light obliterates the old one, though I think my old Starfire battery may have worn out some over time, since the old light is also brighter when hooked up to the new battery. The 20W light is substantially brighter than any of the Niterider hallogen lights my buddies are riding with. Even my older 12W Jet light with the worn out battery was a little brighter than their Niterider lights. And the 20W light is nearly as bright as a Niterider HID (not quite, though).
Anyway, I'm REALLY happy with the 20W Phantom light. I didn't pay extra to get the 3 light levels or battery guage, because I didn't need them for my purposes. I'm absolutely convinced that a 20W Jet is the most light you can get for $200. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Metroid
a
from Containment Area for Relocated Yuppies, NC
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | Hammerhead Bikes | | Strengths: | Bright white light, excellent beam pattern, long burn time, lightweight light head, fast charger. | | Weaknesses: | Mount isn't very adjustable. The new mount is MUCH better and available from Jet for a very reasonable price. | | Similar Products Used: | Performance Viewpoint Dual Pro, Nite Rider Digital Evolution | | Bike Setup: | Hammerhead 100-X | | Bottom Line: | I got the 20W bulb option. You just can't beat this light. It is everything you need and nothing you don't. When compared with my NR Digital Evolution, the Jet is many times brighter, gets the same burn time, and costs less!!! I don't know why but NR just doesn't offer a full powered helmet light without having to spend the big bucks on HID.
The medium flood beam pattern is perfect for singletrack. The fast charger works great. I've had the light for over 2 years now. I use it once or twice a week during the winter and it still gets over 2 hours burn time.
After seeing the new mount on the MTBR 2003 Interbike coverage, I called Jet to see about upgrading. They offered me the new light head and mount (without the bulb) for $35 or I could upgrade to the "smart switch" light (3 light levels) for $10 more. My only issue with the old light was the rear mounted light wasn't very adjustable. The new light has completely addressed this so I am 100% satisfied with this light. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nev
a
from Flower Mound, TX
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Direct from Jet | | Strengths: | Bright as hell. Durable. Looks good. New mount is awesome.
| | Weaknesses: | Zip | | Similar Products Used: | First and only lights | | Bottom Line: | Only marginal complaint was the old mount -- which hasn't been out two years. I have two sets now and second set came with the new mount. All riding is intermediate to technical trails. The mount adjusts fast and easy to go with different body/head positioning as the terrain changes. I've hit enough limbs and had enough fall overs in the night to hurt it, but it has never gone out. Still looks and shines bright. Zero problems. And when I ride with others, my lights are always the brightest. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$239.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | Engineering, Design, Durability, Brightness | | Weaknesses: | None found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | various light systems | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mt hammer hardtail, XT all around, Fox 80RLT, easton carbon bar | | Bottom Line: | I posted this review initially and accidentally for the Starfire system--but it's the Phantom single beam that I have and love.
This is a fantastic system with a 2 hr run time at 20w, 3hr at 15W and 4hr at 10W. It's brighter than anything, light and solidly built. Functionally, it's the best system I've ever seen, and being a big fan of design, I'm extremely impressed with looks and form of this system. The fuel guage on the battery is accurate, the switch on the light easy to use on the fly and the plugs/connections are all insulated against elements and very tight. nice point on design, there's a breakaway built in so there's no neck-breaking if you catch the light on low branches. This is the one to buy, being nearly as bright as the HID systems at half to cost and far superior to any of the other halogen systems. Excellent pre and post-sale support to boot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Tar River NC
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | direct from Jet. Nashbar (older Dual System) | | Strengths: | Very dependable. Impact resitant. Longevity. And, some of the best customer responce in the industry. | | Weaknesses: | power cables | | Similar Products Used: | I've tried a long line of home made, alternative light systems, and lesser quality lights that though they got me trough the woods at night (most of the time). they couldn't shine a light on my Jet Lites. | | Bike Setup: | I have several bikes, rigid, Ti hard tail soft-tail and F/S. The quick release on my Dual bar set-up makes it easy to mount on any of them, or, a tree limb if I'm doing trailwork. | | Bottom Line: | I've been using Jet Lites for over 4 years. They have been in use year round for rides and trailwork. Night rides in NC summers is the only way to avoid the debiliating heat. My original 2200 mAhr Battery and both bulbs are still going.
I bought the Phantom single 2 years ago and upgraded my dual, so, I can burn 44 watts when it's needed. With the 3800 mAhr battery and the 12 watt light I easily go 3 hrs. Well beyond the advertized 2.3 hrs. I have used 3 batteries and run 44 watts for 2 hours and 24 watts for another hour. I would have no problem going 6 hrs on a ride using only the wattage neccecary with 2 batteries.
Last year (May 2002) a friend of mine from Nashville Tn went head first off one of my stunts. He impacted the ground with his helmet. Unfortunately, he had his Jet helmet mount on his helmet without the light. The mount stuck in the clay preventing him from sliding down the steep slope and transferring all the force into his spine crushing the vetebral body of D-2. A very painful but not life threatening injury, Thank God. He has now fully recovered and in back riding.
The good part of this story is; when I called Jet and told Jim what had happened he immediately went to work on a break-away mounting system so that things like this could never happen again. The new patented mounting design is the results of his work. I don't believe there is another company in the entire bicycle industry that puts this kind of concern for their customers into their products. Thanks Jet Lites! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Sugar Hill, GA, US
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Chicopee AG Center | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Universalcycles.com | | Strengths: | Bright, durable, and well repsected | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | Nightrider Trail Rat 2 | | Bike Setup: | '89 Giant Boulder - yep, that's not a misprint | | Bottom Line: | Had to get a light in a pinch to compete in a 24Hr race happening this weekend. Universal got it to me overnight yesterday and I had it charged in about 5 hours. Did a practice ride over at GIHP last night and all I can say is I made the right choice! Don't know how people go without the quickcharge intelligent charge system. 9+ hours with no indicators is more old school than my bike. Wake up and see the light - this is it. One of the guys on the ride had the 20w bulb in a Phantom i system and I'm running the 12w. Niether one of us had any trouble on even the most technical sections and this was our first night ride. Great product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lewis River Trail/ Skookum Flats | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | Super bright even witht he 12W! And pretty light. runs FOREVER! | | Weaknesses: | When i got them.. i I charged the battery, then tried to run it out of juice. (emphasize on tried). It never ran out! i did it while watching a movie, and watched some TV afterwords! After about 3.5 hours it was still running strong with bright white light! | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | K2 ZED team, lots of xtras | | Bottom Line: | These are fantastic lights, I have nothing to compair them to, but, ive seen over lights, with higher watts, and they arent nearly as bright. These lights also run for-frikin-ever. My opinion is the 20w isnt neccesary, i run the 12w, and i get plenty of power. I dont have a handlebar light, just the single helmet light, and it lights up the forest, i can see fine with just that. Its a bit pricey, but worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 245.00
